As part of Dutchess County's ongoing Rev250 celebration — which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 — Destination Dutchess, the Dutchess County Department of History and Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction will host their second-annual Revolutionary Cider Celebration on June 27, 2026, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate the start of summer in the orchards at Fishkill Farms, makers of Treasury Cider (so named because the farm’s founder, Henry Morgenthau Jr., served as the Secretary of the Treasury during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency; the Morgenthau Family has owned the farm for more than 100 years).
It will be a day filled with Revolutionary War and Colonial-era history, farm experiences, and, of course, apple cider!
Here's what to expect:
• Orchard Talk Wagon Rides with Josh Morgenthau, Owner and Operator of Fishkill Farms, throughout the day.
• A Colonial-era Food and Beverage Talk with Sara Evenson, a food historian who studies the cultural creation of kitchen spaces in New York's 18th century. Her research explores the material, sensory and architectural ways in which kitchens were created in the past and are currently interpreted at historic sites. Sara is a doctoral candidate in History at University at Albany, SUNY, and has worked and volunteered in living history for over 20 years. In her free time, Sara enjoys recreating historic recipes and growing heirloom produce.
• Tales of Revolutionary Dutchess County told by Jonathan Kruk, the Hudson Valley's master storyteller. Every year, he enchants at hundreds of schools, libraries, historic sites and festivals, and tailors programs to each venue. Jonathan is best known for his solo shows of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “A Christmas Carol.” He’s been featured on The Today Show, The Travel Channel, CBS Sunday Morning, and the BBC.
• There will also be live Americana music.
Admission to the event is free, and it will be held rain or shine.
While you're at Fishkill Farms on June 27, be sure to enjoy these other fun activities:
• Sip refreshing beverages outside on the shaded porch at the Treasury Cider Bar.
• Enjoy tasty treats from Fishkill Farms' outdoor grill, along with the Graze & Harvest food truck.
• You can pick your own fruit, as Fishkill Farms expects to have a variety of fruits in-season. Reservations are required for pick-your-own; click here to make reservations.
• Make sure to stop by the Farm Store, where you will find farm-fresh fruits and vegetables grown right on-site, as well as a variety of locally produced meat, fish, cheese, yogurt, honey, maple syrup, coffee, tea, and so much more!
• Pose for photos with Destination Dutchess' very own "Commander in Cheers" and listen to stories of Dutchess County's revolutionary heroics as told by a pint-sized, augmented reality version of George Washington — also known as "Tiny George."
America celebrates its semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Because of its strategic location on the Hudson River, Dutchess County played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and was essential to the Patriot cause. History was made here. The Story Finder mobile passport presents 25 ways to experience Rev250 in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Trace the road to the Revolution for your chance to win a grand prize at two iconic locales. Click here for details.
Related: RevCon 2026 Revolutionary War Reenactment and History Fair: June 13, FDR Library and Museum
Dutchess County is home to some of the Hudson Valley’s finest craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, meaderies and cideries. Sip your way through the region with the Destination Duchess Taste Finder, a mobile passport program that serves up perks at 13 craft beverage tasting rooms and tap houses on the trail. Show your Taste Finder pass at participating locations to unlock each producer’s special offer, including free flights, pints, and custom glassware.
Related: Rev250 Events and Activities
